Protect your sailboat this winter - winterizing checklist
Before you start winterizing your sailboat, you need to make some important decisions. How and where are you going to store the boat? If you intend to haul the boat out of the water, where are you going to store it? if you have to leave the boat in the water you need to get good local information about the severity of the ice formation and how best to combat it. You’ll also have to arrange for regular inspections of the boat during the coldest months.
No matter where or how you store your boat, you’ll need to cover it and protect it from the elements. If cost is no object you can shrink wrap the boat. Tarpaulins don’t cost as much as shrink wrapping, but you’ll need to make more frequent inspections. You should unstep the mast no matter how you protect the boat. The mast can form a support for tarpaulins. If the boat is left in the water, unstepping the mast reduces windage and strain on the rigging.
During the winterization procedure, the motor requires the most attention. The motor is the most vulnerable piece of equipment on the boat. All water needs to be drained off or protected with anti-freeze. The head also needs to be protected as does the fresh water system. All loose equipment should be removed from the boat. Electronic equipment should be removed and stored in a warm dry place. Batteries should be removed.
Sailingmates, the sailors web site, has a two part checklist of all work required to winterize your sailboat. Read the winterizing checklist here.
